Category Archives: Press_Room

Kush ‘Film Boutique’ Membership
Summer Sale Now On!

We have great new for you!

This year we are celebrating 20 years of creating a platform for black filmmakers and public access to the best in mainstream and independent black films!

To be able to sustain the work we do and hopefully carry on for many more years to come; we need forward-thinking commitment from our wider film-fan community and regular patrons so we are asking everyone to help us build and improve our services to you our supporters by taking out Membership.

To encourage everyone further we are having a big SUMMER SALE and have reduced the price of membership – Annual ‘Single’ Membership now is only £100(£15 off the normal annual price, working out at roughly £8.33 for 12 annual screenings per year / non-members pay £15 per screening – that’s a whooping saving of over £6.50 per screening)

Check out all the benefits of taking out our ‘Film Boutique’ Membership whilst watching the best films first in a great atmosphere at the UK’s No 1 black film club.

Members even get a FREE DRINK on entry at each screening throughout their membership. Membership is also very cost-effectively, saving you over a whooping £60 per year on the normal admission price of £15 per screening if you are a non-member.

Get ready to start enjoying the best black/urban film releases whilst enjoying your special membership benefits!

Also as a member get to hear about all the latest film releases and our Film Boutique events in advance then you can book & reserve seats first. Events happen monthly currently at the Regent Street Cinema, 309 Regent St, Lon, W1B 2UW with other new venues to come. We hope to see you at future event which generally take place on a Thursday evening (next event 26th July).

Kush Film Boutique annual Membership.

Single Membership: £115 £100Joint Membership: £195 £180

(Joint membership is strictly for married partners and couples who will attend together only)

Kush Films
is Proud to Present
#Windrush70…

Streets Paved With Gold

A special 70th Year Windrush Anniversary Film Screening Event remembering the history of migration from the Caribbean and the continuing story of present day migration and how this has transformed England and the rest of Europe!

Presenting a programme of powerful short films reflecting the Windrush era and also present day migration and the troubling stories of migrant enslavement in Libya. This will be supported by a memorable live Streets Paved With Gold theatrical performance by Leicester actor Victor Richards all commemorating the ‘Windrush’ generation and the powerful story of mass-migration with an emphasis on those that first arrived from the Caribbean; 70 years ago on the ship Empire Windrush.
​

Film: Sorry We Don’t Help Darkies

A Caribbean family living in London’s Notting Hill during the tension and violence that led to the 1958 race riots, where black homes where targeted and smashed, comes to a brutal realisation that life in post war Britain is far from the ‘Mother Country’ that would welcome them with open arms as they had been told to get them aboard the ‘Empire Windrush’ boat to help England rebuild after World War II…

Performance: Streets Paved With Gold

1. We are pleased to present a special live 20 min theatrical performance by much-liked Leicester actor Victor Richards telling the imagined story of one man’s plight as a member of the arriving Windrush Generation entitled Streets Paved With Gold.

2. There will also be an award-winning Streets Paved With Gold music/poetry video by Victor played at the start of the evening as part of the event program.

More info on Victor Richards and his Windrush poetry, book and one-man play. www.vjaytheatre.net

​

Film: The Dead Sea

An award-winning short film inspired by a true story from the recent Refugee Crisis. (It wasn’t too long after this film was made that worldwide news agencies reported migrants been enslaved in Libya).

The story follows Emmanuel and Olu who, after almost reaching Europe by boat, are returned to Libya and incarcerated in one of its infamous migrant detention centres.

Film: Memories in Mind

Four Women from Jamaica recall, candidly, stark memories of their migration to Britain in the 50’s. A cricketer’s wife, a budding concert pianist and two young brides all made a journey which changed their lives irrevocably.

Lyrical storytelling is interspersed with dramatic recreations of their experiences.

Invited Guest Speakers & After-film Panel Discussion:
At the end of the evening there will be a Windrush panel discussion hosted by former Hackney Council Councillor, writer and Windrush activist Patrick VernonOBE, where we plan to discuss the legacy of the Windrush Generation and of course the ongoing government Windrush deportation scandal.

Welcome to Membership of the Kush Film Boutique, get ready to start enjoying your special membership benefits.

We thank you for supporting the Kush Film Boutique and wanting to take out membership with your valued support and hopefully many others like you, we will be able to improve the film club’s offering and provide a more enjoyable and beneficial service.

With the wider community’s support we will continue to create a sustainable platform for BME filmmakers and their films and also support worthwhile causes in our community, especially disadvantaged young people seeking careers in the creative media industries.

Once you have paid the required £115 Single Membership Fee or £195 Joint Membership Fee through the supplied Paypal payment link and then follow that up with signing up to our Mailchimp Members Email Database – you are good to go, as a fully paid-up Film Boutique exclusive annual member for 2018.

Membership Database Sign-up FormPlease Sign-up to Membership Database Here After payment: (When you pay the paypal payment link should take you straight to this link below also after payment, if not use this link): http://eepurl.com/dbZmDP

IMPORTANT: Please make sure to complete both stages of sign-up!

If you so choose you can make a direct bank transfer payment to us instead use:
Kush Promotions & PR
(HSBC)
Sort code: 40.07.33
Account No: 12491060

Membership covers a 1-year (12-month) period and this reduced membership offer will officially start from the date that you signup. In that 12 month period of membership we will endeavour to organise at least 12 Kush FB screenings, if we do not put on 12 Kush FB film screenings in any given 12-month period of your membership, we will take this into consideration and look at what options are available to us. We will always seek to make sure you get value for money. But if we do organise more than 12 screenings in a 12-month period covering your membership and you have had the opportunity of attending those events and you personally choose not to attend any particular screenings, then we will not be obliged to extend any more screenings to you in that 12-month period. At the end of 12 months you membership will expire and be due for renewal.

Membership starts from the date of paying your membership fee.

Your Film Boutique membership will only apply specifically to Kush ‘Film Boutique’ branded events at the Regent Street Cinema, London or Whirled Cinema, Brixton (we may add other venues that entertain Film Boutique events at a later date, please note we may hold other film related events that are not Film Boutique events; i.e. film premiere’s for a filmmaker or film distributor that is a paid consultancy job).

If you choose to pay through Paypal you will receive a receipt for payment from Paypal. We will also acknowledge receipt of payment and confirm your bonafide membership. If you prefer you can also instead choose to make a direct payment to our bank account where you will need to inform us via email (info@kushfilms.com) that you have made a bank transfer payment and we will check and confirm back to you receipt of payment.

Welcome to Membership of the Kush Film Boutique, get ready to start enjoying your special membership benefits. Here are your Terms and Conditions.

Terms & Conditions:
Membership covers a 1-year (12-month) period and this reduced membership offer will officially start from the date you make payment and sign-up to our database. In that membership period we will endeavour to organise at least 12 Kush FB screenings, if we do not put on 12 Kush FB film screenings in any given 12-month period of membership, we will take this into consideration and look at what options are available to us. We will always seek to make sure you get value for money. But if we do organise more than 12 screenings in a 12-month period covering your membership and you have had the opportunity of attending those events and you personally choose not to attend any particular screenings, then we will not be obliged to extend any more screenings to you in that 12-month period. At the end of 12 months you membership will expire and be due for renewal.

Members will be allowed to bring along one (1) guest with them to each screenings that guest will be charged an admission fee of £12; the regular admission charge for non-members (someone who is not accompanying a member) is £15.

Your Film Boutique membership will only apply specifically to Kush ‘Film Boutique’ branded events at the Regent Street Cinema, London or Whirled Cinema, Brixton (we may add other venues that entertain Film Boutique events at a later date. Please note we may hold other film related events that are not Film Boutique events; i.e. film premieres for a filmmaker or film distributor that is a paid consultancy job).

Please note that the Kush Film Boutique will restart on Thursday15th February 2018, we will have all your details on file in our Members Database through you signing-up to that database. Your new Membership card and terms and conditions will be sent out to you within 10 working days of signing up to our Membership Database and we will endeavour to make sure you have your card before the next screening date (be advised; even without a membership card you are unequivocally confirmed as a member once the required payment is received and you sign-up to the email database, so not to worry as we will have your details on record).

Membership cards must be signed upon receipt and must not be given to any other person to use. (Members abusing any of the terms and conditions will lose their membership privileges and membership may be revoked).

Cancellations: Membership must be cancelled within 14 days of making your payment .You will only receive a full refund if you not have attended any screenings as a member. You will not be able to cancel your membership once the 14 days expire (cancellations will incur a charge of £20 for administration purposes).

Complaints:
All enquiries or complaints in regards to membership and payments should always be made in writing via email to Kush Promotions & PR and then if necessary you can follow this up with a telephone call, please use the contact details below:

Get your tickets and come join us as we celebrate 19 years of creating a platform for urban films – we will also announce the launch our new membership based Sidestreet Cinema.

It’s going to be a fun night out!

Kush Films Presents a #HarlemNights themed #FilmParty Celebrating 19 Years of been the leading UK authority at the forefront of international Black film marketing and exhibition!

On Saturday 16th September 2017 we want you to come join us at our Fancy Dress 1930’s #HarlemRenaissance Jazz themed Film & Party event where we aim to party the night away

So Get Your Tickets Now and Join us in Celebrating 19 years of bringing the best urban Films to UK audiences. Also we have a special sale offer on the night to attendee’s only of this event – We are offering a One-yearSideStreet Cinema Membership for only half price on the night.

Sidestreet Cinema will be our new flagship membership film screening and event based cinema programme which will take place at venues like the Whirled Cinema, Brixton and also at other venues – Once a member you will be able to attend all regular film screenings at no extra cost and some other larger Sidestreet Cinema events at half price.

Kush Films is proud to be an exclusive distributor of the sensational, new fun-filled African children’s animation Bino & Fino.BUY this fun-filled educational animation series NOW for your children, they will love it!

We offer you this opportunity to purchase this lovely animated educational series as we are one of a few exclusive outlets in the UK, so be one of the first to acquire this loved DVD set Now! (Please note we have limited stocks – Don’t Miss Out!)

Children are just going crazy for Bino & Fino & accompanying toys

Children have fun with exciting stories and learn about:

African History

Nigerian Culture

Eating healthy

Where electricity comes from

Why people recycle

Family

DVD 1 (£6.95)

3 Episodes:

Mama Mama’s SoupBino and Fino have an adventure in the garden and learn about different ‘slimy’ animals such as frogs, snails and octopuses!

Bino’s ColdBino has a cold and Fino is not happy. She wants her brother to feel better. Fruits come to the rescue! Zeena the magic Butterfly teaches them that fruits help you stay well and healthy.

A Big Birthday PartyThe 1st Bino and Fino episode.Bino and Fino are taught some African history by Mama Mama and Papa Papa.2010 saw the 50th year independence anniversaries of many African nations.
This episode introduces the concept of colonialism and independence amongst African countries to children.Total Running Time: 35 mins

Quantity

DVD 2 (£9.95)

5 Episodes:

1. The Mighty Wall Of Benin
Bino and Fino learn about the Great Walls of Benin of the Benin Kingdom.

2. Where Does Electricity Come FromOne evening there is a blackout. Bino and Fino aren’t happy about it but it makes them wonder where electricity comes from.

3. Fino Loves FootballFino has a dilemma. She wants to join the local football club but is told by the boys that girls don’t play football. But Fino doesn’t give up on here dream.

4. On To TimbuktuBino can’t find one of his books because he can’t remember where he left it. Mama Mama teaches the children to treasure their books and to take care of them. She tells them about the ancient manuscripts of Timbuktu. Zeena takes them back in time to see the ancient manuscripts.

5. Old To New, New to OldBino and Fino learn about recycling and the importance of saving the environment.

It’s December (once again, LOL!) and almost time to end this year and bring in another New Year. Well after we have stuffed our faces, drank more than we can handle and immersed ourselves with family we both love and hate – well it’s got to be done!

This year from a film standpoint of view has been good, starting off with the January release of the much-talked about Selma and then Chris Rock’s ‘Top Five’ in May; two films we worked on. Paramount Pictures actually hired Kush Promotions & PR to market Top Five in 7 cities of the UK and allowed us to manage the budget. To allow us to manage the budget and nationwide-wide campaign was a justification of the 17 years of hard work and determination I have put in developing this business. After May PR work kind of dried up for us as the next big urban releases were from distributors who appear to have an issue with me/Kush; LOL! It appears I have told off the Head of International Marketing at both Sony Pictures and Universal over the years and I have not been forgiven (daam, I only told them the truth about their poor marketing of particular urban film) well seems like i’m “Blacklisted” – so be it – I will always speak my mind and tell the truth if some don’t like it, so be it! Was upset though, that we missed out on hip-hop films Dope and Straight Outta Compton; Sony & Universal film releases respectively.

Anyway the break away from Film-Marketing/PR was a Godsend (it was needed) as it allowed me to get back fully-focussed on the wide-ranging development of Kush Media. Something I wasn’t truly able to do for two straight years from October 2013 – May 2015 as Kush Promotions & PR became the go-to Specialist Independent PR Company marketing all black films month-after-month here in the UK (shhh! The remuneration was nice though). We also got to work on films like ‘Starred Up’ starring Jack O’Connell and The Maze Runner.

The breakaway allowed me to re-assess things and from that the ‘Kush Film Boutique’ was relaunched and in all that I do (even though it can be hard work) these days; I get the most satisfaction out of seeing the joy, dismay, shock, horror and amazement on patrons faces at our screenings – the wonders of film!

PR/Marketing work paid Kush well, and I strived hard to get to that position and be paid well but during the Top Five campaign earlier this year I realised that I wasn’t enjoying the work, it wasn’t why I started Kush Promotions back in 1998 and sitting in my office managing people (especially some of the difficult people I had to manage across the UK) became all so ‘Soulless’.

I had lost the joy of what I was doing daily and to wrap this part up – I believe in life to truly be successful you have to be fulfilling your life’s purpose and embracing daily the joy of all that you offer – once you lose that joy it’s time to reassess!

Anyway it’s going to be a very exciting end to the year with the massive impending release this week of Star Wars: The Force Awakens starring local Peckham Lad John Boyega whom we thankfully had time to meet whilst managing PR/Marketing for the film “Half A Yellow Sun” last year.

Straight away from speaking to John I knew he would be a star he was so down to earth, well-spoken and assured in his manner – definitely a star in the making and I said so at the time.

I can’t wait to see how well he exudes his persona off the big screen as the character ‘Finn’ in this massive blockbuster film; I’m sure he has done a fine job otherwise we would have heard already especially with all the earlier ignorant social media commotion about a “Black Stormtrooper”.

I won’t even go into that foolishness as it will bring down the tone of my newsletter and inveigle me into talking about dumb people from another galaxy!

Congratulations to rising star John Boyega and all the other British actors in the film (Daisy Ridley), and as a Star Wars fan it’s also great to see the old stars back; Harrison Ford as Hans Solo, Mark

Hamill as Luke Skywalker and Carrie Fisher as Princess Leia and of course Chewbacca.

Yes we are back!
It has been two full years since we ended Film Boutique screenings and we are more than ready to hit the streets again and carry the torch; once again lighting up the path for the development and progression of urban films.

Formerly known as the Kush Film Cub and launched in 1998 to create a platform for independent black filmmakers the film club has gone on to screen over 200 films, many of which were UK premiere’s or exclusive film screenings – Kush Film Club members were some of the first in the UK to see films like: The Players Club, Crash, Romeo Must Die, Me, Myself & Irene, Coach Carter, The Original Kings Of Comedy, Ray, Four Brothers, Hustle & Flow, Baggage Claim and many more.

Members were also introduced to a plethora of new indie filmmakers and their short films which was screened before the main feature thus introducing the world of independent filmmaking and local talent to new audiences.

Kush has also played a part in highlighting various social causes and community development using film as a tool to organise numerous community events along with training courses aimed at highlighting and combating Gun & Knife Crime, Youth Development, Drug Addiction and Community Cohesion.

One of the elements of the Film Boutique this time around will be the superb networking opportunity before the evening’s films, our aim is to bring progressive forward-thinking media personnel, entrepreneurs, community leaders and of course filmmakers together on a regular basic to ponder on and conspire for progressive change thus creating new opportunities for all.

Kush: Making a Difference in the Community since 1998!

COME AND JOIN US ON OUR JOURNEY AND THE RELAUNCH OF THE RENOWNED
KUSH FILM BOUTIQUE.

Kush Films is proud to announce the relaunch of the ‘Film Boutique’ at one of the oldest & prestigious cinemas in London the Regent Street Cinema with a UK exclusive screening of the powerful and poignant documentary film3 ½ Minutes, 10 Bulletsa film specifically chosen for these troubled times. #BlackLivesMatter

There will be great networking & press opportunities prior to the film plus a special guest panel discussion after the film with invited guest speakers from the fields of: Media, Music, Legal, Community & Politics., discussing the US Stand Your Ground Laws, young black men and rap music today, fear of young black men, black lives matter campaigns, deaths in UK police custody and the ongoing Mark Duggan police shooting case.

KUSH PROMOTIONS & PR

The UK’s leading promoter of urban cinema
in association with new UK distributor Altitude Films
presents the UK release of the multi award-winning film.

This poignant award-winning film hits UK cinemas from 6th June 2014

The multiple Independent Spirit Award, Cannes and Sundance Film Festival winning film follows the true story of Oscar Grant (Michael B. Jordan), a 22-year-old Oakland, California resident who wakes up on the morning of December 31, 2008 and feels something in the air.

Not sure what it is, he takes it as a sign to get a head start on his resolutions: being a better son to his mother (Octavia Spencer), being a better partner to his girlfriend Sophina (Melonie Diaz), and being a better father to Tatiana (Ariana Neal), their beautiful four year-old daughter.

Crossing paths with friends, family, and strangers, Oscar starts out well, but as the day goes on he realises that change is not going to come easily. As he and Sophina celebrate the New Year and a fresh start, one truly shocking, tragedy shakes his community – and the entire United States — to its very core.

ARE YOU A FILM JUNKIE WHO’D LOVE TO SEE YOUR OPINIONS IN PRINT?

Do you fancy yourself as the next Barry Norman or Mark Kermode ?

Well if so Kush, the UK’s leading independent urban film promotion company, would like to hear from YOU.

We are looking to expand our team of writers, to contribute copy for our website.

No formal experience is needed – just great writing skills, a knowledge and enthusiasm for movies, the ability to attend film screenings in central London in the day or during early evenings along with other film related events (like festivals) in central London.

So Can You Produce Engaging Copy & Would Like To Gain A Career in The UK Film Industry?

If this sounds like you please send your CV and some samples of articles you have previously written – especially any old reviews of your favourite films. mailto: info@kushfilms.com